A musical adaptation of the 1995 cult classic film To Wong Foo will premiere at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre this autumn.

Based on the film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, the story centers on three drag queens in the midst of a cross country road trip. Featuring an all-star '90s cast that included Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo, Stockard Channing, Robin Williams and RuPaul, the film was one of the first mainstream positive depictions of drag as a art, rather than as the butt of a joke. 

To Wong Foo will begin performances at Hope Mill Theatre October 21 for a limited run. Opening night is set for October 26.

Adapted by Tony nominee (and original screenwriter) Douglas Carter Beane, the musical will feature music and lyrics by Lewis Flinn. Beane will also direct the production. Casting and additional creative team members will be announced at a later date.

Said Beane: “I am so thrilled to bring the world premiere of To Wong Foo not only to the U.K., but to the wonderful Hope Mill Theatre and Manchester. When I wrote this story back in the '90s, it was always a theatre show in my mind, and fortunately for me, Steven Spielberg and Beeban Kidron thought it would make a great movie. But, for me it was always the ambition to bring it to the stage and I’m so happy it's finally happening. Although the musical continues to be an homage to drag, '90s New York, and the amazing individuals who made it such a vibrant place to be, it is even more politically relevant today than ever before as censorship and condemnation of drag is unfortunately on the rise in the United States. I hope this show connects with new audiences as it did way back then…come along for the ride!”

Visit HopeMillTheatre.co.uk